Auckland Nines draw revealed

The draw for the inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines has, in the best traditions of tournament play, come up with a ‘Pool of Death’.

The NRL premier Roosters have been drawn alongside the Broncos, Bulldogs and Eels in a draw that will thrill fans but offer no easy introduction to Nines play for the respective coaches.

The pools for the rugby league extravaganza at Eden Park on February 15 and 16 are:

• (YELLOW) Warriors, Raiders, Sea Eagles and Cowboys

• (GREEN) Roosters, Eels, Broncos and Bulldogs

• (BLUE) Sharks, Knights, Tigers and Titans

• (RED) Storm, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Dragons.

The Sharks and Knights will open the tournament which has been left with many mouth-watering prospects following the draw.

A pool game between two of the game’s great entertainers – 2013 top four sides the Storm and Rabbitohs will be a highlight.

The ‘Pool of Death’ West Sydney derby between the Eels and Bulldogs will only add to their particular rivalry.

Today’s draw followed the announcement that consumer electronics company sponsor Dick Smith has signed on as the tournament’s sponsor - the second major partner to sign on to the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines alongside Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) which will invest NZ$9 million over five years.